The NCPA Marks 55 years with Orchestras by Zubin Mehta and Mark Elder

The Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), the nation’s sole full-time professional orchestra, recently wrapped up its Spring 2025 season, held from January 25 to February 15. The season, a significant moment for both the SOI and the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), marked 55 years of the centre’s dedication to bringing world-class music and theatre to Indian audiences.

With legendary conductors Zubin Mehta and Sir Mark Elder at the forefront, the season brought together more than 200 musicians, a mix of international soloists, and a programme that ranged from iconic symphonic works to operatic extracts. It was an ambitious celebration of the classical music that the SOI has kept alive over the years.

The season opened with Mehta conducting a powerful rendition of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, joined by virtuoso pianist Alexander Gadjiev. Gadjiev’s nuanced performance highlighted the emotional depth of Chopin’s music, drawing out the concerto’s lyrical beauty.

This was followed by a more dynamic pairing of Haydn’s Symphony No. 104, known as the London Symphony, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. The contrasting works showcased the range of the orchestra’s capabilities—from Haydn’s vivacity to Mahler’s emotional weight.

The Opera Gala was an especially standout event in the season, with 200 musicians taking to the stage to perform popular excerpts from Carmen and La Traviata. Roberta Mantegna (soprano), Olesya Petrova (mezzo-soprano), Luciano Ganci (tenor), and George Petean (baritone) brought these operatic pieces to life with their powerful vocals. The Living Voices Mumbai choir and The Singing Tree Children’s Choir from the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation added another layer to the evening, their harmonies layering the performances with depth.

The season’s closing concert was conducted by Sir Mark Elder, one of Britain’s most esteemed conductors, who led the SOI in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, Eroica. The symphony, which historically changed the course of classical music, was a fitting finale to a season that spanned both the intimacy of chamber works and the drama of full-scale orchestral performances.

Khushroo N. Suntook, Chairman of the NCPA and co-founder of SOI, highlighted the milestone: “From Beethoven’s monumental symphony to the passionate arias of Carmen and La Traviata, we’ve brought a range of experiences to Mumbai’s concert-goers.”

The SOI’s Spring 2025 season reinforced its position as a leading force in India’s classical music scene. The NCPA, in its 55th year, continues to be a vital hub for global musical talent, bringing together world-class performances and enriching India’s cultural landscape. As the SOI continues to promote orchestral music in India, it remains a cornerstone in the nation’s growing interest in this tradition.